Invincibles: How Wetherby etched their name into club folklore

Dan Windham

Wetherby rugby club have etched their name into club folklore by doing the seemingly impossible and going the entire season unbeaten.

The Yorkshire Silver Trophy final on Saturday was the final test for Mike Hick’s side who had already wrapped up the Yorkshire Four title by securing 109 points.

It was Yorkshire Three side Northallerton that stood in their way who, despite a mixed season of fortunes in the league, reached the Junior Vase final at Twickenham the week before.

However, tries from Myles Oates and Conor Sheridan were enough for Wetherby to claim the trophy with a 18-13 victory and, by doing so, complete a historic season unbeaten.

Despite the record-breaking victory, Hicks admitted that the nerves and the pressure got to his players but praised their ability to plug away and their desire to win.

He said: “We have overcome every obstacle this year but in the final we made a good start but I think the pressure and the nerves got to them.

“Northallerton are an experienced side and they never gave up but we just kept plugging away and, in the end, it was a fantastic result.

“The nerves just showed how important the game was to the boys. This match had been at the front of our minds for weeks and we were not prepared to hand over that record, it was just not going to happen.”

The win means Wetherby have now finished their season with an incredible 27 wins under their belts, two pieces of silverware and the promise of Yorkshire Three rugby next year.

However, while Hicks stopped short of declaring the side the best ever Wetherby team, he praised the club and the family feel that has helped create the success.

He said: “I have only been here 18 months so I do not want to disrespect any other teams but none of them have achieved this success.

“I never thought the season would go this well. Obviously we have been putting plans in place to do the best we can but the achievements have been remarkable.

“The amount of supporters that came down to Hull was fantastic. We are one club here. These are Wetherby boys who love Wetherby and that helps us do so well.”